63-year-old cyclist dies after being struck on Sacramento County road, CHP says

A bicyclist died Monday night after being struck by a car along Madison Avenue in North Highlands, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The collision occurred about 8:58 p.m. on westbound Madison Avenue, just east of Jackson Street, according to Officer Justin Fetterly, a spokesperson for the CHP’s North Sacramento office.

The bicyclist, initially reported as a pedestrian, was taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead at 9:27 p.m., Fetterly said.

The victim was identified as Vaughn Cotton, 63, by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office.

The driver of a Mazda involved in the crash remained at the scene, provided a statement to officers and was cooperating with the investigation, authorities said.

Alcohol and drugs are not considered factors for the driver, according to the CHP, which said the incident remains under investigation.

This story was originally published April 22, 2025 at 9:00 AM.